NEW YORK CITY — February 19, 2019 — The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders, is partnering with Mall of America, the largest retail and entertainment destination in North America, to administer a training to create a body inclusive environment for all Mall of America guests, tenants and 1,200 employees.

With a multitude of brands talking about “body confidence,” and more than 520 retail stores and restaurants, Mall of America is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the body confidence movement. NEDA is joining forces with the mall to integrate a healthy perception of body confidence into the Mall’s DNA by hosting events for the public and trainings for Mall of America employees and participating stores.

“Mall of America is making real progress by prioritizing body confidence as a value,” NEDA’s Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships Kristen Snow said. “I commend them for making this commitment to learning more and working toward creating an environment that celebrates the diversity of body shapes and sizes. Their leadership sets a strong example for retailers and malls across the country.”

Based on NEDA’s acclaimed Body Project Program, Mall of America employees and store participants will be trained Tuesday, Feb. 26 and Wednesday, Feb. 27 to develop a foundational understanding of where “appearance ideal” pressures come from and how this pressure is rampantly promoted throughout our culture. Participants will apply their knowledge of the appearance ideal to the retail industry, discussing both the goals and challenges for creating an inclusive environment that can help strengthen body confidence in stores. The training will culminate with participants practicing ways to resist the appearance ideal individually and how these practices can be integrated into Mall of America across the board.

Participating stores within the mall, like Nike, Macy’s, Anthropologie, Under Armour and more, will earn a body confidence “seal of approval” to display in store windows. Fitting room mirrors will also be outfitted with positive messages to encourage body confidence.

“Mall of America holds firm that everyone, no matter their age, shape or size, is beautiful in their own way,” said Jill Renslow SVP of Business Development and Marketing at Mall of America. “We’ve always been an organization that strives to have a positive impact on the greater community, and we’re thrilled to be able to join the conversation on this important initiative.”

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care. Through our programs and services, NEDA raises awareness, builds communities of support and recovery, funds research and puts life-saving resources into the hands of those in need. For more information, visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.

ABOUT mall of america

At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with more than 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s largest indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; Hard Rock Café; The Escape Game; CMX Cinemas; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to the MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and visit our blog. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.